SAN DIEGO (Interstat) — The Detroit Tigers, looking to shake off a painful end to their 2025 season, open a new campaign on the road Thursday afternoon against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park.

First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. PDT under clear skies with a game-time temperature of 76 degrees forecast.

The Tigers turn to left-hander Tarik Skubal as their Opening Day starter. Skubal will be tasked with setting a positive tone for a team that fell just short of the American League Championship Series last October, dropping a 3-2 heartbreaker to the Seattle Mariners in the deciding Game 5 of the AL Division Series on Oct. 10.

The Padres, who missed the postseason last year, are also seeking a fresh start after concluding their 2025 schedule with a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Oct. 2.

Both clubs enter with identical 0-0 records, making every early-season matchup critical in a tight National League West for San Diego and a competitive American League Central for Detroit.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, Thursday’s series opener projects as a classic pitcher’s duel, with a predicted final score of 1-0 in favor of the visiting Tigers.

The three-game set continues Friday and Saturday in San Diego before both teams embark on different paths. The Tigers will travel to Arizona for a three-game series with the Diamondbacks starting Monday, while the Padres will host the San Francisco Giants for three beginning the same day.

For Detroit, this opening West Coast trip offers an immediate test against National League competition. Following the Arizona series, the Tigers will host the St. Louis Cardinals for three games in their home opener at Comerica Park on April 3 before hitting the road again to face the Minnesota Twins.

The Padres’ early schedule is equally demanding. After hosting the Giants, they embark on a lengthy East Coast road trip, visiting the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates for three games each.